Pit bulls debated at Peoria animal-ordinance meeting

Some dog enthusiasts believe pit bulls are no more dangerous than other canine varieties. Beth Akeson believes it’s a matter of severity, not propensity. “What is important for people to understand is pit bulls, when they do attack, they deliver an injury th...

PEORIA — Some dog enthusiasts believe pit bulls are no more dangerous than other canine varieties.

Beth Akeson believes it’s a matter of severity, not propensity.

“What is important for people to understand is pit bulls, when they do attack, they deliver an injury that is completely different than other dog bites,” the at-large Peoria City Council member said Wednesday night. “That is a fact.”

Akeson spoke during and after the first of two scheduled public forums about proposed changes to the city’s animal-control code. About 15 people gathered at the Lakeview Branch of the Peoria Public Library to review a task force’s handiwork.

What might be the centerpiece proposal creates a “reckless dog owner” category. Offenders would be fined and receive a three-year dog-ownership ban if they violate the animal-control ordinance at least three times over 36 months.

Owners would be required to keep dogs behind a fence when on private property. Unattended tethering of dogs also would be prohibited. Specific types and lengths of tethers would be mandated.

Those who spoke publicly seemed to favor the proposals, although the tethering issues confused some. Akeson said tethering language will be clarified.

But when it came to pit bulls, it appeared there was a difference of opinion.

Kimberly Brown agreed. She was accompanied by her service dog Sweety, a boxer-pit bull mix.

“I’ve seen all types of breeds be vicious,” Brown said. “I’m not for the pit bull bashing.”

Both women said better education of owners can help alleviate problems with canine aggression.

Akeson cited statistics that showed pit bulls responsible for more bites reported in Peoria than any other dog variety. She provided a study that stated pit bull attacks have a higher risk of death than those of other breeds.

Akeson showed the crowd photographs of a person who had been wounded in a pit bull attack in Peoria. The victim was treated at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center. The victim’s family and OSF officials gave Akeson permission to use the photos, she said.

Assistant City Manager Chris Setti, who attended the forum, advised against revealing the bloody images, Akeson said. One audience member left the room before they were projected.

But Akeson believed the viewing was necessary.

“The damage caused right now by pit bulls is off the charts,” she said.

The councilwoman stopped short of calling for an immediate pit bull ban. Instead, she emphasized responsible dog ownership.

“I think for right now, we want to create conditions where dogs don’t bite,” Akeson said.

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Another public forum about the proposals is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Neighborhood House, 1020 S. Matthew St. Additional forums might ensue, said Akeson, who targeted December as a possible time for City Council consideration.

Nick Vlahos can be reached at 686-3285 or nvlahos@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @VlahosNick.